Giants Enter New Era Under Harbaugh: What’s Next for Big Blue in 2026?
The New York Giants aren’t waiting around. With the hiring of John Harbaugh, a proven winner with a Super Bowl pedigree, the franchise has made its intentions clear: the rebuild is over, and it’s time to compete.
Harbaugh’s arrival sets the tone, but the staff he's assembling will shape the Giants’ identity just as much. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is a name that might raise eyebrows - his tenure in Chicago had its ups and downs - but pairing him with young quarterback Jaxson Dart is an intriguing gamble.
Dart, the 25th overall pick in 2025, showed flashes as a rookie. His ability to extend plays and create outside the pocket is real, but consistency remains the next step.
Nagy’s experience developing quarterbacks, especially in a spread-style system, could be the key to unlocking Dart’s potential.
Defensively, the hire of Dennard Wilson as coordinator brings a fresh voice to a unit that already has a strong foundation up front. Wilson inherits a talented defensive line, and with the right tweaks in the secondary, this group could take a major step forward.
Frank Bush and Charlie Bullen will support Wilson, bringing experience and familiarity with the roster. It’s a staff built for cohesion - and Harbaugh’s ability to manage those moving parts is one of his calling cards.
But coaching alone won’t get the Giants over the hump. Last season, injuries hit hard.
Key contributors like Malik Nabers, Cam Skattebo, and Andrew Thomas all missed time. Nabers, in particular, is a rising star who posted a solid 71.9 PFF grade despite the missed games.
Thomas remains an elite tackle when healthy, and Skattebo showed real juice out of the backfield. If those three can stay on the field, the offense has a solid core.
Still, New York needs more firepower. Another dynamic pass catcher and help in the secondary are high on the offseason wishlist.
The Giants are trending in the right direction, but they’re not contenders just yet. They’re close - and that’s a dangerous place to be for the rest of the NFC.
Cap Space Crunch and Roster Decisions
The Giants’ cap situation isn’t ideal. With just $6.9 million in space - 20th in the league - tough decisions are coming.
There’s room to maneuver, though. Cutting ties with running back Devin Singletary, kicker Graham Gano, and offensive lineman James Hudson III could free up around $15 million.
Add in potential moves involving linebacker Bobby Okereke and guard Jon Runyan Jr., and the Giants could create even more flexibility.
One of the biggest cap-saving moves on the table? Trading edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Moving the former top-five pick would clear nearly $15 million. It’s a bold idea, and ESPN floated it as a possible path forward.
While Thibodeaux has shown flashes, the new regime may look to reshape the roster in its own image - and that could mean moving on from players who haven’t lived up to expectations.
Another name to watch is cornerback Deonte Banks. He’s just 24 and still has upside, but his trade value is modest - think a fifth-round pick. If Harbaugh and Wilson don’t see him as a fit, a move could make sense, especially with the team needing cap space and secondary reinforcements.
Free Agency Outlook: Who’s Staying, Who’s Going?
The Giants have some decisions to make on their own free agents. Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, cornerback Cor’Dale Flott, and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson all play premium positions, but none are likely to receive the franchise tag. The projected tag numbers - over $25 million for wideouts and tackles, and more than $20 million for corners - are simply too steep for players in that tier.
Still, New York is expected to try to bring all three back, just not at top-of-the-market prices. Robinson, in particular, has drawn outside interest - the Titans are reportedly in the mix. Eluemunor and Flott weren’t included in recent top-100 free agent rankings, which could work in the Giants’ favor when it comes to negotiating reasonable deals.
On the flip side, there are some intriguing external targets. Center Tyler Linderbaum (Ravens) and safety C.J.
Gardner-Johnson (Bears) have been linked to New York. Both would be strong schematic fits and bring much-needed toughness and leadership to key positions.
Okereke’s Future in Doubt
Linebacker Bobby Okereke is a name to monitor. He was a force in his first season with the Giants, but his production has dipped over the past two years.
Whether it’s age, scheme fit, or something else, Okereke hasn’t been the same disruptive presence. He managed just two tackles for loss last season - a far cry from the impact he made when he first arrived.
Cutting him would save $9 million, and with cap space at a premium, that may be too much to ignore.
Front Office Moves and Draft Prep
Behind the scenes, the Giants are also making moves. Dawn Aponte is stepping into a major front office role, bringing a wealth of league experience and cap expertise.
Meanwhile, the team has hired a new head athletic trainer - their first change at that position since 1981. It’s a sign of a franchise turning over every stone in pursuit of improvement.
As for the draft, the Giants are doing their homework. Clemson tackle Blake Miller is one of several prospects on their radar. With offensive line depth always a need, expect the Giants to keep a close eye on the trenches throughout the pre-draft process.
Final Thoughts
The Giants are in a fascinating spot. They’re not quite contenders - not yet - but they’re no longer rebuilding either. With John Harbaugh at the helm, a young quarterback with upside, and a defense that could be special under the right guidance, New York is building something real.
This offseason will be all about smart roster construction, savvy cap management, and finding the right pieces to elevate the team from promising to playoff-bound. The foundation is there. Now it’s time to build.